-
Awesome All-Star Group: Kings Of Chaos Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 21, 2019
- Location of Concert: Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, OH
Well: I went to another PHENOMENAL concert.At the Fraze Pavilion, in Kettering, Ohio, near Dayton.I saw an all-star band called Kings Of Chaos.This band was started some years ago as a side project when musicians are off from their own projects.So, the lineup has fluctuated over the years.People from Billy Gibbons, Slash, Glenn Hughes, and many more have participated.This year, and for four shows only (this was the third), the lineup includes singers Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) and Lou Gramm (Foreigner)! Guitarists Warren DeMartini (RATT) and Gilby Clarke (Guns N Roses), bassist James Lomenzo (White Lion, Pride And Glory, Black Label Society, Megadeth, John Fogerty) and drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Tony Iommi, Chickenfoot, John Fogerty, just to name a few).This band plays songs of each other’s catalogs, as well as covers of other people’s songs.The band played throughout while the singers would rotate on and off and would come back later.The set started with Dee coming out to sing a few songs, then Sebastian, then Lou, Gilby sang one, Dee returned, then Sebastian, then everyone for the last song.This band is phenomenal, especially Warren DeMartini. I’m a fan of all these people but once again, like I was when I saw RATT in 2007, I was on Warren’s side of the stage (3rd Row this time), and it was a pleasure seeing and hearing him play. He can play anything, as can they all, as you’ll see by the setlist below. I heard every note. It was beautiful.Lou is a legend. One of the best singers ever, and he sang some of his Foreigner songs.Dee sang some TS, RATT, and other songs.Sebastian sang Skid Row, RATT, and other songs.Near the end, Dee ended up grabbing my hand when he was greeting fans up the front. What a moment, because I’m a HUGE fan of his. He’s tweeted me several times and even sent condolences to me in regards to the loss of my Granny. Class act.Sebastian is a true rock and roller, and passionate fan like I am. Has always sang great and still does.Gilby Clarke is cool, James Lomenzo is a solid player, and Kenny Aronoff (nickname Kenny Earnenough according to Sebastian) is a monster player.I can’t say enough about these guys.Great show!My next one is July 5.Love and Peace and thanks to everyone who has sent me condolences about my loss.It’s sad, but life does somehow go on.And like I keep saying, I need things like this concert to keep me going.I hate traveling to and from shows, but the shows always make it all worthwhile.I’m listing the setlist showing what each person sang. Again, the band played all of it.The order may not be quite in sequence but this is definitely the setlist.Set List:
Dee-We’re Not Gonna Take It, Wanted Man, Highway To HellSebastian-Lay It Down, 18 And Life, Round And Round, Youth Gone WildLou Gramm-Cold As Ice, Dirty White Boy, Juke Box Hero, Hot BloodedGilby-Knockin’ On Heaven’s DoorDee-I Wanna Rock, Real Wild Child (musically it was Rock And Roll). This was a “mashup”.Sebastian-Jack And DianeEveryone-Paradise CityPhoto Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
Mothership Connection: George Clinton & Others Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 1, 2019
- Location of Concert: Riverfront Live in Cincinnati, OH
- Openers: Miss Velvet and the Blue Wolf, Fishbone, Galactic
Another concert under my belt.This was at Riverfront Live in Cincinnati.First up was Miss Velvet And The Blue Wolf.I didn’t see much of them because I was in line waiting to get in but they sounded good.Next up was Fishbone, who were very good and entertaining.Then came Galactic, who were fun also.Then to the main event and the reason I went: George Clinton and his band Parliament Funkadelic.George is a legend and has been around since the 60s.He’s had/has MANY people involved in his musical projects.It’s hard to describe his music. It’s a combination of rock, rap, funk, r&b, you name it.They put on a party.Constant audience interaction and getting them pumped.Of course that’s what any performer does, but he/they REALLY do it.Anyway, it was a pleasure to see a legend and his talented band having fun and making people happy.My next concert is June 18th, and quite a few more after that.Stay tuned.I’ve posted pics of the show below.Enjoy.Parliament-Funkadelic Set List:
- Get Off Your Ass And Jam
- Super Stupid
- Baby Like Fonkin’ It Up
- Pole Power
- Meow Meow
- Get Low
- One Nation Under A Groove
- Flash Light
- (Not Just) Knee Deep
- Maggot Brain
- Dirty Queen
- Five Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)/Night Of The Thumpasorus People
- Mama Told Me
- Atomic Dog
Fishbone Set List:
- Party At Ground Zero
- Lyin’ Ass Bitch
- Cholly
- Ghetto Soundwave
- Freddie’s Dead (Curtis Mayfield cover)
- Servitude
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
Thrash!! Overkill/Death Angel Concert Review
- Date of Concert: April 28, 2019
- Location of Concert: House Of Blues Cleveland in Cleveland, OH
- Opener: Mothership
I went to another great concert Sunday night.House Of Blues In Cleveland.Not blues, but Metal!!First band was Mothership, more of a stoner rock band, if you will, but very good. I may need to look into them more.Then I saw Death Angel. One of my favorites.Their albums of the last 15 years are to me better than their older stuff, which is saying something.They’ve gotten heavier with age.Really loud and lots of energy.I can’t wait to buy their new album Humanicide (they played that song) May 31.Overkill closed the show.Again, a favorite of mine and they just get better and better with age.They’ve been around since 1980 or 81, have made many albums, many lineup changes, but through it all, the main constants are singerBobby “Blitz” Ellsworth and bassist DD Verni.They have steered the ship forward throughout and have maintained a great work ethic and they give their fans what they want, which is uncompromising Metal!!Another great concert.Probably my last until June 1, but we’ll see.Overkill Set List:
- Last Man Standing (New Song)
- Electric Rattlesnake
- Hello From The Gutter
- Elimination
- Deny The Cross
- Distortion (New Song)
- Necroshine
- Under One
- Bastard Nation
- Mean, Green, Killing Machine
- Feel The Fire
- Rotten To The Core
- Encore: Ironbound
- F You
- Welcome To The Garden State (New Song)
- F You (Reprise)
Death Angel Set List:
- Thrown To The Wolves
- Claws In So Deep
- Seemingly Endless Time
- The Dream Calls For Blood
- The Moth
- Humanicide (new song)
- The Ultra Violence (Intro)/Kill As One
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
I Met The Midnight Express: ASW All Star Wrestling Show
- Date of Event: April 13, 2019
- Location of Event: Madison Civic Center in Madison, WV
Pretty fun night at the ASW 13th Anniversary Show in Madison, WV.Thanks to promoter Gary Damron for the ticket.Thanks to Nicky Walters and her friends for the ride.Many younger wrestlers were in action, and they were fun to watch, but I was mainly there to meet one of my favorite tag teams and to see them getting inducted into the ASW Hall Of Fame.I’m talking about The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey, Bobby Eaton, and Stan Lane) and their manager Jim Cornette.I was able to get my picture taken with them and a signed 8×10. I was able to hold one of their tag team belts, and just was able to say thank you to them for everything they’ve done.I later told Dennis individually the same thing again and thanked him for surviving cancer. I know he appreciated it.Cornette got in on some of the wrestling action later during the match between wrestling legends Bobby Fulton and Tracy Smothers (who I also met, cool guy).You’ll see in some of the pictures what I’m talking about.It’s nice seeing younger wrestlers work but I’m all about the classics too and even though Bobby and Tracy didn’t do a lot, they actually did do a lot.Tracy went from being a good guy to a bad guy real quick.Great stuff.I could say so much more but again, I’ll just say it was a fun event, I intend to come to more of them, and just being able to shake Dennis Condrey’s hand made my month.I love all of The Midnight Express But Dennis is my guy.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
Early Floyd: Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Concert Review
- Date of Concert: April 7, 2019
- Location of Concert: Palace Theater in Columbus, OH
I saw another interesting concert Sunday night.Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets.Nick Mason is the drummer of Pink Floyd.He and his band are out performing early Floyd songs.Songs they recorded before they became an enormo dome band.The band is very good and put on a good show.I’ve now seen two members of Pink Floyd. Roger Waters and now Nick Mason.Holding out hope I’ll see David Gilmour someday, too.I think it will happen.Set List:
- Interstellar Overdrive
- Astronomy Domine
- Lucifer Sam
- Fearless
- Obscured By Clouds
- When You’re In
- Remember A Day
- Arnold Layne
- Vegetable Man
- If
- Atom Heart Mother/If (Reprise)
- The Nile Song
- Green Is The Colour
- Let There Be More Light
- Childhoods End
- Sets The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun
- See Emily Play
- Bike
- One Of These Days
- Encore: A Saucerful Of Secrets
- Point Me At The Sky
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
My Lexington Comic & Toy Convention 2019 Experience
- Date of Event: March 22 and 24, 2019
- Location of Event: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
March 22: Another day for the book.I met actors Val Kilmer, Michael Biehn, and wrestlers Edge and Christian at Lexington ComicCon.For those of you who don’t know, Val Kilmer has starred in many movies, including Real Genius, Top Secret, Top Gun (Top Gun 2 next year), Willow, The Doors, Thunderheart, Tombstone, Heat, Batman Forever, The Island Of Dr. Moreau, The Saint, The Ghost And The Darkness, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (hilarious), and so many more. The most recent movie I saw him in is The Super. Very good thriller.He did not speak much because he’s had voice issues ever since he had throat cancer a few years ago.He’s cancer free now, but it did mess up his voice. But he was all smiles and in good spirits.He definitely loved my shirt, which I bought on his website. He kept pointing at it.When I got him to sign a picture of him from the movie The Saint, I basically just told him that I loved him. And he just smiled.It was a pleasure meeting him and when I go back to Lexington ComicCon Sunday, I’ll get a solo picture with him.The other man in the picture with Val and I is Michael Biehn.For those that don’t know, he starred in The Terminator, T2, Aliens, The Abyss, K2, Navy Seals, Tombstone, The Rock, The Magnificent Seven TV series, and much more.Of all the celebrities I’ve met, he’s definitely one of the best.He is a total class act. He spoke to me for at least five minutes and he did this with each fan that came to his table.When he first saw my shirt, he said “I normally don’t associate myself with people who wear a shirt like that, but in your case, I’ll make an exception”.What he meant was that the shirt I wore is that of Val’s character, Doc Holliday, in Tombstone. Michael played Johnny Ringo in Tombstone, and Val’s character kills Michael’s character in the movie.So anyway, once he said that, my response was well if I had a Johnny Ringo shirt, then I would’ve worn it. And he just laughed.I got him to sign a picture of him from the first Terminator movie.He told me all about this publicly picture. He said it was during a lunch, and he was just standing there posing for the photographer, while actress Linda Hamilton was sitting in the background.I told him that for some reason, T1 still scares me. Then he said well I should listen to Stephen Hawking talk about Artificial Intelligence and that that is really scary.But anyway, a long story short. Michael Biehn is someone anyone can talk to and feel comfortable with.I also met wrestlers Edge and Christian.I’ve been a fan of these guys for the past 12 years when I got back into watching wrestling, although I basically once again don’t watch it.But I love these guys. Neither wrestle anymore due to injury but both guys are great and very friendly.Well that was my Friday.I work tomorrow and then I go back to Lexington ComicCon Sunday to again, get my picture taken with Val again (wearing a different official Val shirt this time), as well as one of my favorite wrestlers ever: Sting.Great day!! I don’t have enough of them.For those who may think I’m rich, I’m not. I’m actually quite broke most of the time. Most of my life is just waiting for the next long day because all are long.So to keep myself going, I go to events like this and of course to concerts.As broke as I am, I’m still just making it happen for myself. And until I stop, I will continue.March 24: Another fun day at Lexington ComicCon.I met Val Kilmer again, Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy, and my second favorite wrestler since I was 9 years old: Sting!!Sting signed a WCW Magazine from 1992 for me.I told him I’ve been a fan since I was 9. He said that’s awesome thank you so much.I thanked him for all he has done and that I know it didn’t ultimately work out but that I was glad he finally went to WWE.He said me too and thank you.I received two hand shakes from him and when I got my picture taken with him, I again thanked him and that I love him. He said thank you I love you too.It doesn’t get much better than that for me.Kevin Conroy is very nice too. He has done the voice of Batman/Bruce Wayne for many years.I told him the Batman Mask Of The Phantasm film, which he signed for me, still holds up and he said that it really does.I thanked him for all his work and that I was glad he did The Killing Joke film too. He said that was wonderful wasn’t it? I agreed and I got a Hearty hand shake from him.And Val I was only going to meet today but since Michael Biehn was announced as initially appearing Friday (he later extended), I decided to get my picture taken with both Friday. See above for that info.But I still went through with it and have no regrets.Now before anyone says he looks bad, let me tell you: a few years ago he had a tumor in his throat.Throat cancer.He’s cancer free now but it did mess up his voice. He can speak but it’s not what it was.But he is working with a vocal coach and is still working.So give him a break.He was in a very good thriller last year called The Super and his voice was good in it, other than just raspy.And he’s Iceman again in Top Gun 2, out next year.I wore my official Val shirt of his movie The Saint today. He greeted me with a hand shake, arm around me, and all smiles.Another good day. If only all were good. Most aren’t.Now I’m eyeing another expo in August. I intend to go.Stay tuned.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
I Met KISS: My 8th KISS Show
- Date of Concert: March 16, 2019
- Location of Concert: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
Aside from seeing the original KISS lineup in 1998 and 2000 and seeing The Rolling Stones in 2015, I saw my favorite concert ever last night in Columbus Ohio.My 8th time seeing my favorite band KISS.But for the first time, I got my picture taken with them!As usual with photo ops, it was fairly quick, but I got fist bumps from the band, and Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer spoke to me and were nice. I think Eric Singer said hi and if Gene Simmons said anything, I don’t remember because my head was on cloud 9.I met my favorite band!!!Worth waiting for!I actually even met their legendary manager Doc McGhee. He was nice too.The show was out of this world. Spectacular visuals, probably the best stage set they’ve ever had. Sam The Serpent is back.The band played a lot of songs, and contrary to what ANYONE says, they ARE NOT lip syncing.I was watching/listening very closely and I did not see any lip syncing going on, except maybe when Eric is playing piano to Beth.And yes Paul has occasional echo effects, but he IS singing.So please enough with the lip syncing accusations and crappy YouTube video. Do not try to convince me otherwise. I was there. You were not!!!!And even if Paul was, I actually don’t care because I still had fun!Anyway, back to the show.Great setlist. The band was very playful, to the point at the end of I believe Let Me Go Rock ‘N’ Roll, they played a little of La Bamba. Very cool!!The band was having fun, playing great as usual, and I know it makes you haters and purists so sick, but the packed crowd at Nationwide Arena was having the time of their life.I spoke to a guy 20 years younger than me and he said this was his first time seeing the band.What a great first time. I also spoke to another guy and he said he and a friend of his were following the band around for some of the dates of this tour.Why not? I applaud them.All of these people and again everyone else, including myself, in the arena had a great Saturday night.It’s nights like this that I live for.Most of life I find to be annoying and stressful in a bad way.This is one of my outlets to have fun with.I don’t know if I’ll ever see them again, hence why I finally met them, and because financially everything is getting tougher, but if this is the last time, it was as great as the first time I saw them in 1998.Yes the original lineup but again, no matter what the haters/purists say, this lineup and all lineups of KISS RULE!!!!!I’m a fan of every album and every lineup.Have I had problems with Eric and Tommy wearing Peter Criss and Ace Frehley’s makeup and costumes? Yes. Is it weird? Yes. But you know what? They’re great and the two main singer/songwriters who have ALWAYS been there, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, are still there.Also Paul’s vocals are not flawless anymore, but he is doing the best he can (no not lip syncing but even if he is I don’t care) and you know what? He sounded pretty good to my ears. No not perfect but more than good enough.Haters continue to hate but don’t try to change my mind because you won’t.I won. I always win with KISS.Anyway, yes I got a bit defensive but I’m very passionate about this band and all my other favorite bands, wrestlers, and movie/TV stars.This is how I have fun.No regrets.Set List:
- Detroit Rock City
- Shout It Out Loud
- Deuce
- Say Yeah
- I Love It Loud
- Heaven’s On Fire
- War Machine
- Lick It Up
- Calling Dr. Love
- 100,000 Years (with Eric drum solo)
- Cold Gin (with Tommy Thayer guitar solo)
- Bass Solo/God Of Thunder
- Psycho Circus
- Let Me Go Rock N Roll
- Love Gun (Paul On B-Stage)
- I Was Made For Loving You (Paul On B-Stage)
- Black Diamond
- Encore: Beth
- Do You Love Me
- Rock And Roll All Nite
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
I Saw Two Comedians!! Steve Martin/Martin Short Show Review
- Date of Concert: March 9, 2019
- Location of Concert: Keith Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington, WV
I saw Steve Martin and Martin Short at the Keith Albee Theatre in Huntington, WV tonight.Lots of jokes, lots of laughs, stories, audience participation, music, you name it. They had it.My pictures are not the best, but trust me, it was a fun/funny night.Steve sang and played the banjo, Martin sang and dressed very uniquely at times, and both told some hilarious jokes.They even brought up three guys to give them the Three Amigos salute while Steve and Martin sang the song from said movie.If you get a chance, go see them and/or watch their Netflix special.Look it up.I feel I could say more, but I’ll leave it at that.More shows to come and more celebrities to meet.Stay tuned.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
What a Show!! Cher/Chic Concert Experience
- Date of Concert: February 10, 2019
- Location of Concert: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
Well, for the first time, I saw Cher and Chic in concert.I saw them in Columbus Ohio at Nationwide Arena.It was a different kind of show for me but I enjoyed it.Chic played about 55 minutes featuring many songs written by leader Nile Rodgers.Look up his body of work.Then about 30 minutes later, the one and only Cher took the stage in very grand fashion.Throughout the show, she had many costume changes, different backdrops, dancers, you name it.It was quite the show.My favorite parts were when she duetted with her ex husband Sonny Bono (RIP). Technology is quite amazing sometimes.Also, it was nice to see her guitarist, Joel Hoekstra, who also plays for Whitesnake, rock out a little bit.At 72, she looks AMAZING. Plastic surgery or not, I don’t care. AMAZING.She performed many songs from throughout her career.Fun show.I have posted pics below, as well as the setlist,courtesy of my friend Kevin Montavon, who was also at the show.* are musical/dancing bits where Cher isn’t onstage…when she’s changing outfits, taking 5, etc.)Cher Set List:
- Woman’s World
- Strong Enough
- *Gayatri Mantra
- All Or Nothing
- *Little Man/All I Need Is You
- The Beat Goes On
- I Got You Babe (Sonny “singing” with her from a magic mirror)
- *You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me
- Welcome To Burlesque
- *Lie To Me
- Waterloo (Abba Cover)
- SOS (Abba Cover)
- Fernando (Abba Cover)
- *Cher Movie Montage
- After All
- *Heartbreak Hotel (Cher onscreen as “Chelvis”)
- Walking In Memphis
- The Shoop Shoop Song
- *Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)-Featured Joel Hoekstra rocking out
- I Found Someone
- If I Could Turn Back Time
- Believe
Chic Set List:
- Everybody Dance
- Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)
- I Want Your Love
- I’m Coming Out/Upside Down
- He’s The Greatest Dancer/We Are Family
- Get Lucky
- Let’s Dance
- Le Freak
- Good Times
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
Mr. Scary: Lynch Mob (George Lynch) Concert Review
- Date of Concert: December 15, 2018
- Location of Event: The Venue Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH
I FINALLY saw one of my favorite guitarists, George Lynch, in concert.His band, Lynch Mob, played in the Cincinnati area at a place called The Venue Cincinnati.Two cover bands opened, then Lynch Mob came out and played for two hours.Two hours of Lynch Mob and Dokken songs.George has in the band Nathan Utz on lead vocals, Sean McNabb on bass, and Scott Coogan on drums (he sang lead on one song while Nathan played drums).They had fun, as did the crowd.I’m glad I finally saw George. He’s the last of the Dokken guys I needed to see.I’m just sorry it took almost 20 years for me to see him.Better late than never.That’s my last event until March.I live for these things.You know what makes me happy?Music, concerts, meeting famous people, and seeing movies. That’s about it. And that’s ok. Don’t ever expect me to change.Love and PeacePhoto Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
